Numanthia-TermesToro Termes 2005

96 points / $274,000 cases importedSpain

This bodega helped transform the red wines of Spain's Toro region from rustic to opulent, with its focus on low-yielding, old-vine Tinto de Toro (the local variation of Tempranillo) and aging in new French oak barrels. Founded in 1998 by the Eguren family of Rioja, Numanthia-Termes was sold in 2008 to luxury giant Moët-Hennessy Louis Vuitton LVMH. The lowest-priced, largest-production of the bodega's three cuvées, Termes has earned outstanding scores in every vintage made except 2003. Reflecting the ripe vintage, the 2005 is a powerful yet balanced red.